ABC/Rick RowellMore than a year before A Star Is Born came out, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper were seen hanging out. So what are we to make of the news that Gaga's now been seen hanging out with Jeremy Renner?

A source tells Us Weeklythat Gaga and the Oscar-nominated actor have been "spending a lot of time together," but they "don't believe it's romantic at this point."

And it's not just Renner: The source dishes that Gaga has been hanging with the Avengers star and his six-year-old daughter Ava, whom he shares with his ex, Sonni Pacheco.

If Gaga's pre-production behavior with Cooper is anything to go by, this could mean that Gaga's lined up another acting job, and Renner's part of the project.

Gaga called off her engagement to Christian Carino a month ago and has been seen out having fun with reality stars Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd, and popping into an L.A. jazz club to perform a set.

ABC/Rick RowellMore than a year before A Star Is Born came out, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper were seen hanging out. So what are we to make of the news that Gaga's now been seen hanging out with Jeremy Renner?

A source tells Us Weeklythat Gaga and the Oscar-nominated actor have been "spending a lot of time together," but they "don't believe it's romantic at this point."

And it's not just Renner: The source dishes that Gaga has been hanging with the Avengers star and his six-year-old daughter Ava, whom he shares with his ex, Sonni Pacheco.

If Gaga's pre-production behavior with Cooper is anything to go by, this could mean that Gaga's lined up another acting job, and Renner's part of the project.

Gaga called off her engagement to Christian Carino a month ago and has been seen out having fun with reality stars Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd, and popping into an L.A. jazz club to perform a set.

The singer and former Genesis drummer has announced a limited run of dates for fall of 2019, dubbed the Still Not Dead Yet, Live! tour. The 15-city trek kicks off September 23 in Dallas and wraps up October in Las Vegas.

Tickets go on sale March 29, and you can register now through Sunday at PhilCollins.OnTourAccess.com to participate in the Verified Fan sale, starting at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.com. Any tickets left will be sold March 30 starting at 10 a.m. local time via LiveNation.com.

Phil's last outing in 2018 featured the same band who'll be joining him for this one. The lineup includes longtime Genesis touring guitarist Daryl Stuermer, who's also played with Phil for years, as well as legendary session musician Leland Sklar on bass and Phil's own son Nicolas playing drums.

The tour will be a "celebration" of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's "epic career," featuring solo and Genesis hits like "Against All Odds," "Follow You Follow Me," "In the Air Tonight," "Invisible Touch," "Easy Lover" and many more.

The singer and former Genesis drummer has announced a limited run of dates for fall of 2019, dubbed the Still Not Dead Yet, Live! tour. The 15-city trek kicks off September 23 in Dallas and wraps up October in Las Vegas.

Tickets go on sale March 29, and you can register now through Sunday at PhilCollins.OnTourAccess.com to participate in the Verified Fan sale, starting at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.com. Any tickets left will be sold March 30 starting at 10 a.m. local time via LiveNation.com.

Phil's last outing in 2018 featured the same band who'll be joining him for this one. The lineup includes longtime Genesis touring guitarist Daryl Stuermer, who's also played with Phil for years, as well as legendary session musician Leland Sklar on bass and Phil's own son Nicolas playing drums.

The tour will be a "celebration" of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's "epic career," featuring solo and Genesis hits like "Against All Odds," "Follow You Follow Me," "In the Air Tonight," "Invisible Touch," "Easy Lover" and many more.

Wes And AlexMaroon 5's "Girls Like You" is one of the band's biggest hits, if not the biggest, and its innovative, star-studded video is one reason why. Now the video has reached an impressive milestone.

The video, with its message of female empowerment, released May 30, 2018, has now racked up two billion views across Vevo and YouTube. It reached that milestone in just 10 months.

While the song itself was #1 for seven weeks and spent 33 weeks in the top 10, it's the video for "Girls Like You" that landed the song on the New York Times' recent list of "The Top 25 Songs That Matter Right Now."

"At a time when women and nonwhite men have been facing down the White House and law enforcement’s relentless disrespect with civic, public and artistic resolve, the most crucial multitude were the 26 female entertainers, athletes, politicians, activists and survivors who seized control of the song’s video," writes the New York Times.

The Times describe Adam Levine in the video as "the ultimate embodiment of a stubbly, privileged white bro who belatedly realizes that he needs his partner."

Wes And AlexMaroon 5's "Girls Like You" is one of the band's biggest hits, if not the biggest, and its innovative, star-studded video is one reason why. Now the video has reached an impressive milestone.

The video, with its message of female empowerment, released May 30, 2018, has now racked up two billion views across Vevo and YouTube. It reached that milestone in just 10 months.

While the song itself was #1 for seven weeks and spent 33 weeks in the top 10, it's the video for "Girls Like You" that landed the song on the New York Times' recent list of "The Top 25 Songs That Matter Right Now."

"At a time when women and nonwhite men have been facing down the White House and law enforcement’s relentless disrespect with civic, public and artistic resolve, the most crucial multitude were the 26 female entertainers, athletes, politicians, activists and survivors who seized control of the song’s video," writes the New York Times.

The Times describe Adam Levine in the video as "the ultimate embodiment of a stubbly, privileged white bro who belatedly realizes that he needs his partner."

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicIf you’ve listened to his music, it’s probably no surprise that Michael Bolton considers himself a “helpless romantic.” And despite being single at age 66, the singer tells U.K.'s The Mirror that he still believes in finding The One.

“I am a deep, helpless romantic,” he says. “I don’t think there is any better feeling than being in love. I believe in The Ultimate. Then I get disappointed. But am I being unreasonable in what The Ultimate is?”

His longest relationship was with actress Nicolette Sheridan, which lasted for 18 years on-and-off before ending in 2008. He still speaks fondly of his ex, which is something his friends have warned him might intimidate possible future dates.

“It was powerful,” he says of his relationship with Nicolette. “She’s gorgeous and funny but it ran its course. It was a constant attraction.”

Michael says he’s been on some blind dates, but hasn’t found his dream woman yet. He says he’s looking for someone who’s honest and has a sense of humor.

“I am good at being single, but there is room for a partner,” he says.

Michael was previously married to Maureen McGuire; they have three adult daughters together.

Last month, to mark his 50th anniversary as an entertainer, Michael released A Symphony of Hits. It features his greatest hits re-arranged in an symphonic style, accompanied by the West Australian Full Harmonic Orchestra.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicIf you’ve listened to his music, it’s probably no surprise that Michael Bolton considers himself a “helpless romantic.” And despite being single at age 66, the singer tells U.K.'s The Mirror that he still believes in finding The One.

“I am a deep, helpless romantic,” he says. “I don’t think there is any better feeling than being in love. I believe in The Ultimate. Then I get disappointed. But am I being unreasonable in what The Ultimate is?”

His longest relationship was with actress Nicolette Sheridan, which lasted for 18 years on-and-off before ending in 2008. He still speaks fondly of his ex, which is something his friends have warned him might intimidate possible future dates.

“It was powerful,” he says of his relationship with Nicolette. “She’s gorgeous and funny but it ran its course. It was a constant attraction.”

Michael says he’s been on some blind dates, but hasn’t found his dream woman yet. He says he’s looking for someone who’s honest and has a sense of humor.

“I am good at being single, but there is room for a partner,” he says.

Michael was previously married to Maureen McGuire; they have three adult daughters together.

Last month, to mark his 50th anniversary as an entertainer, Michael released A Symphony of Hits. It features his greatest hits re-arranged in an symphonic style, accompanied by the West Australian Full Harmonic Orchestra.

According to Variety, the actor has put his Beverly Hills, California home up for sale for an asking price of nearly $9 million.

The modern, minimalist property features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, a sunken sitting room, a zero-edge swimming pool and spa, and a fire pit. The master suite opens to a lounging and dining deck with skyline views.

It’s unclear if Katy and Orlando will buy a new home together, but they may not need to, since Katy already has plenty of properties to choose from.

Last month she sold two side-by-side homes at the top of Runyon Canyon for $12.7 million, but she still owns two multi-million-dollar homes in Beverly Hills and is involved in an ongoing bid to acquire a convent in Los Feliz that she plans to convert into a family compound.

According to Variety, the actor has put his Beverly Hills, California home up for sale for an asking price of nearly $9 million.

The modern, minimalist property features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, a sunken sitting room, a zero-edge swimming pool and spa, and a fire pit. The master suite opens to a lounging and dining deck with skyline views.

It’s unclear if Katy and Orlando will buy a new home together, but they may not need to, since Katy already has plenty of properties to choose from.

Last month she sold two side-by-side homes at the top of Runyon Canyon for $12.7 million, but she still owns two multi-million-dollar homes in Beverly Hills and is involved in an ongoing bid to acquire a convent in Los Feliz that she plans to convert into a family compound.

Evaan KherajSince Michael Buble returned to the spotlight after a two-year break to care for his son Noah while he battled cancer, the singer avoids looking at any sort of social media or press about himself, and no one around him is allowed to tell him any sort of stats about his career. That's why it took another music star to tell him that his current tour was a success.

As he tells USA Today, "I got a message from Ed Sheeran, and it said, ‘Congratulations, you’re kicking butt.' But I had no clue since no one in my world told me so."

"When my manager called… he said, ‘Can I tell you you something?’ And he said that in half an hour, the whole world (tour) sold out," Michael recalls. "And I cried so hard, my wife came home and she thought someone died.”

"I don't even think about my career," he adds. For him, spending time with his family is the most important thing. On his current tour, for every three weeks he's on the road, he spends two weeks at home with his wife Luisana and his kids Noah, Elias and baby Vida.

"It's literally the most financially irresponsible way to tour because it's much better to go off for longer periods of time and keep everybody out there and keep the gear and the crew,” he said. “But that doesn't matter to me. This is the best of both worlds."

He adds, "I can't go out there and be happy if I'm not with the family."

Evaan KherajSince Michael Buble returned to the spotlight after a two-year break to care for his son Noah while he battled cancer, the singer avoids looking at any sort of social media or press about himself, and no one around him is allowed to tell him any sort of stats about his career. That's why it took another music star to tell him that his current tour was a success.

As he tells USA Today, "I got a message from Ed Sheeran, and it said, ‘Congratulations, you’re kicking butt.' But I had no clue since no one in my world told me so."

"When my manager called… he said, ‘Can I tell you you something?’ And he said that in half an hour, the whole world (tour) sold out," Michael recalls. "And I cried so hard, my wife came home and she thought someone died.”

"I don't even think about my career," he adds. For him, spending time with his family is the most important thing. On his current tour, for every three weeks he's on the road, he spends two weeks at home with his wife Luisana and his kids Noah, Elias and baby Vida.

"It's literally the most financially irresponsible way to tour because it's much better to go off for longer periods of time and keep everybody out there and keep the gear and the crew,” he said. “But that doesn't matter to me. This is the best of both worlds."

He adds, "I can't go out there and be happy if I'm not with the family."

The Prince of Wales announced Wednesday that Lionel has been named the first global ambassador of his charity, The Prince’s Trust. The two men met up in Barbados, as part of Charles’ tour of the Caribbean, to celebrate the partnership.

U.K.’s The Mirror reports that when Charles thanked Lionel for taking on the role, he made a joking reference to the American Idol judge's signature tune “Hello” -- much to Lionel's amusement.

"It must have been you I was looking for,” said the heir to the throne.

The Prince of Wales announced Wednesday that Lionel has been named the first global ambassador of his charity, The Prince’s Trust. The two men met up in Barbados, as part of Charles’ tour of the Caribbean, to celebrate the partnership.

U.K.’s The Mirror reports that when Charles thanked Lionel for taking on the role, he made a joking reference to the American Idol judge's signature tune “Hello” -- much to Lionel's amusement.

"It must have been you I was looking for,” said the heir to the throne.

Michael tells ABC Radio that production is super-simple: no bells and whistles -- just him, his band and four cameras.

"It's gonna be a really intimate, wonderful journey and I think when you see it you'll understand," says Michael. "But it is old-school, and when I say old-school, it's an old-school Dean Martin/Frank Sinatra television special that really hides behind nothing."

"It might be a little bit weird for people at first, because they're so used to a million edits, and I think a lot of the time the networks are afraid that people's attention spans aren't that big," Michael says.

"But I think they're gonna be fascinated by seeing a guy who's not afraid to look down the camera lens and have a genuine connection with them at home," he declares. "And I think there's just gonna be a lot of love going back and forth."

bublé! features six songs from Michael's latest album, Love, as well as earlier favorites like “Feeling Good” and “Home." But that's not all we'll see. As Michael explains, "It's really a day in the life with me. It's a little bit of a biography of how I got here, where I came from, the journey I've gone on and where I think I'm going."

bublé! is also, Michael says, "a journey through my life musically, from the first songs that inspired me, to songs that I've written, to the songs that have worked out to be some of the biggest in my life."

The original soundtrack for bublé! arrives Thursday at all digital outlets.

Michael tells ABC Radio that production is super-simple: no bells and whistles -- just him, his band and four cameras.

"It's gonna be a really intimate, wonderful journey and I think when you see it you'll understand," says Michael. "But it is old-school, and when I say old-school, it's an old-school Dean Martin/Frank Sinatra television special that really hides behind nothing."

"It might be a little bit weird for people at first, because they're so used to a million edits, and I think a lot of the time the networks are afraid that people's attention spans aren't that big," Michael says.

"But I think they're gonna be fascinated by seeing a guy who's not afraid to look down the camera lens and have a genuine connection with them at home," he declares. "And I think there's just gonna be a lot of love going back and forth."

bublé! features six songs from Michael's latest album, Love, as well as earlier favorites like “Feeling Good” and “Home." But that's not all we'll see. As Michael explains, "It's really a day in the life with me. It's a little bit of a biography of how I got here, where I came from, the journey I've gone on and where I think I'm going."

bublé! is also, Michael says, "a journey through my life musically, from the first songs that inspired me, to songs that I've written, to the songs that have worked out to be some of the biggest in my life."

The original soundtrack for bublé! arrives Thursday at all digital outlets.

ABC/Randy HolmesKaty Perry and wine: What more do you need in a charity event?

The singer will be participating in Auction Napa Valley, a charity wine event that raises money for local non-profit organizations in Napa County, California. She’ll be kicking off the live auction on June 1 with a performance of her most popular songs.

Food Network star and cookbook author Ayesha Curry will also be on hand to help cook up food for the guests.

The multi-day event will be held from May 30 to June 2. If you want to buy tickets, they range from a $20,000 per couple "VIP Experience" to $150 tickets that don't include access to Katy's concert, but do get you dancing, food and unlimited booze.

Last year’s auction raised $11 million in live bids and $13.6 million overall for local charities, which help community health programs and childhood education efforts.

ABC/Randy HolmesKaty Perry and wine: What more do you need in a charity event?

The singer will be participating in Auction Napa Valley, a charity wine event that raises money for local non-profit organizations in Napa County, California. She’ll be kicking off the live auction on June 1 with a performance of her most popular songs.

Food Network star and cookbook author Ayesha Curry will also be on hand to help cook up food for the guests.

The multi-day event will be held from May 30 to June 2. If you want to buy tickets, they range from a $20,000 per couple "VIP Experience" to $150 tickets that don't include access to Katy's concert, but do get you dancing, food and unlimited booze.

Last year’s auction raised $11 million in live bids and $13.6 million overall for local charities, which help community health programs and childhood education efforts.

Travis P Ball/Getty Images for SXSWLance Bass has landed a new TV gig.

Entertainment Tonight reports the former *NSYNC member will be guest-starring on an upcoming episode of ABC’s Single Parents.

He’ll play a fictional version of himself who run the most sought-after sleep-away camp in America: Lance Bass Space Camp. The camp combines space education and the performing arts, in a nod to two of Lance’s real-life passions. Remember his failed mission to become an astronaut back in 2002?

"I thought that was hilarious and I was very down to play that role," Lance tells ET. "I guess it's a really good joke when you put Lance Bass and space together because it works."

When he was 23, Lance tried to secure a seat on a Russian space mission and went through astronaut training to become certified. During the process, he discovered he had a heart problem, and had to undergo surgery to correct it. Eventually, he was certified as a cosmonaut, but funding for the project ultimately fell through and he didn't get to go to space after all.

Travis P Ball/Getty Images for SXSWLance Bass has landed a new TV gig.

Entertainment Tonight reports the former *NSYNC member will be guest-starring on an upcoming episode of ABC’s Single Parents.

He’ll play a fictional version of himself who run the most sought-after sleep-away camp in America: Lance Bass Space Camp. The camp combines space education and the performing arts, in a nod to two of Lance’s real-life passions. Remember his failed mission to become an astronaut back in 2002?

"I thought that was hilarious and I was very down to play that role," Lance tells ET. "I guess it's a really good joke when you put Lance Bass and space together because it works."

When he was 23, Lance tried to secure a seat on a Russian space mission and went through astronaut training to become certified. During the process, he discovered he had a heart problem, and had to undergo surgery to correct it. Eventually, he was certified as a cosmonaut, but funding for the project ultimately fell through and he didn't get to go to space after all.

]]>AJ McLean shows love through the years in "Boy and a Man" videohttp://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/e7c628d54269f55a20efb14cfd5049e3
Tue, 19 Mar 2019 12:00:00 -0500http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/e7c628d54269f55a20efb14cfd5049e3

Tyler ShieldsAJ McLean has released the video for his first official country single, “Boy and a Man.”

The clip tells the story of a lifelong love, inspired by the Disney movie Up. It begins with AJ, as an old man, sitting in a rocking chair on his porch. The video then shows us the love story of a couple from childhood all the way through old age. AJ’s real-life wife, Rochelle, even makes an appearance.

“A look at the future. Lol,” AJ tweeted, along with a photo of himself in the old-man makeup. “Was so much fun to take inspiration from the movie Up for the #BoyAndAMan music video. Hope you all are enjoying it.”

AJ will debut his country-influenced solo album, Long Road, this spring. In addition to launching his solo project, he’ll be kicking off the Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour in May.

Tyler ShieldsAJ McLean has released the video for his first official country single, “Boy and a Man.”

The clip tells the story of a lifelong love, inspired by the Disney movie Up. It begins with AJ, as an old man, sitting in a rocking chair on his porch. The video then shows us the love story of a couple from childhood all the way through old age. AJ’s real-life wife, Rochelle, even makes an appearance.

“A look at the future. Lol,” AJ tweeted, along with a photo of himself in the old-man makeup. “Was so much fun to take inspiration from the movie Up for the #BoyAndAMan music video. Hope you all are enjoying it.”

AJ will debut his country-influenced solo album, Long Road, this spring. In addition to launching his solo project, he’ll be kicking off the Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour in May.

Paramount PicturesOn Monday night at the legendary L.A. club The Troubadour -- the same venue where Elton John was propelled to U.S. stardom 50 years ago -- Taron Egerton, star of the Elton biopic Rocketman, helped unveil 20 minutes of footage from the upcoming film.

The footage was screened for various reporters, industry insiders and celebrities, including Darren Criss and Sir Patrick Stewart. Elton's husband, David Furnish, also was on hand to present the first look.

According to USA Today, the clip featured a stylized interpretation of Elton's first overseas show at The Troubadour, with Egerton as Elton performing "Crocodile Rock" and, at one point, floating over the crowd as he sings.

The footage included other glimpses of both Elton's rise to success and his self-destruction, along with shots of his manager John Reid, played by Richard Madden, and collaborator Bernie Taupin, played by Jamie Bell.

Paramount PicturesOn Monday night at the legendary L.A. club The Troubadour -- the same venue where Elton John was propelled to U.S. stardom 50 years ago -- Taron Egerton, star of the Elton biopic Rocketman, helped unveil 20 minutes of footage from the upcoming film.

The footage was screened for various reporters, industry insiders and celebrities, including Darren Criss and Sir Patrick Stewart. Elton's husband, David Furnish, also was on hand to present the first look.

According to USA Today, the clip featured a stylized interpretation of Elton's first overseas show at The Troubadour, with Egerton as Elton performing "Crocodile Rock" and, at one point, floating over the crowd as he sings.

The footage included other glimpses of both Elton's rise to success and his self-destruction, along with shots of his manager John Reid, played by Richard Madden, and collaborator Bernie Taupin, played by Jamie Bell.

Lauren DukoffMelissa Etheridge is craving company on her new track, "Wild and Lonely."

The singer released the song and its music video on Tuesday; it's the second track from her upcoming album The Medicine Show.

The song, Melissa explains, is channeling feelings from her past.

"[T]hat was like Old School Melissa," she says in a statement. "It's fun for me to play with 'me' now, for 57-year-old Melissa to play with the angst. The whole song is about being on the road, being hungry, wanting."

She adds that the song is the perfect example of the sound she wanted for the new album, which comes out April 12.

The video for "Wild and Lonely" uses live performance footage from Melissa’s recent U.K. dates. Her U.S. tour kicks off March 29.

"Wild and Lonely" follows "Faded by Design," the first track released from The Medicine Show.

Lauren DukoffMelissa Etheridge is craving company on her new track, "Wild and Lonely."

The singer released the song and its music video on Tuesday; it's the second track from her upcoming album The Medicine Show.

The song, Melissa explains, is channeling feelings from her past.

"[T]hat was like Old School Melissa," she says in a statement. "It's fun for me to play with 'me' now, for 57-year-old Melissa to play with the angst. The whole song is about being on the road, being hungry, wanting."

She adds that the song is the perfect example of the sound she wanted for the new album, which comes out April 12.

The video for "Wild and Lonely" uses live performance footage from Melissa’s recent U.K. dates. Her U.S. tour kicks off March 29.

"Wild and Lonely" follows "Faded by Design," the first track released from The Medicine Show.

]]>Mike + the Mechanics' new album, "Out of the Blue," to feature new songs, updated versions of group's hitshttp://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/52f5e5953b7d0ef01cb1bf8593a81176
Tue, 19 Mar 2019 10:00:00 -0500http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/52f5e5953b7d0ef01cb1bf8593a81176Credit: Patrick BallsMike the Mechanics, the band led by founding Genesis bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, will release a new album titled Out of the Blue on April 5. It features updated versions of the group's best-known songs, plus three new original tunes, all recorded by the current lineup.

The new tunes are "One Way," "What Would You Do" and the album's title track. The song "Out of the Blue" was released last month as the record's lead single. Fans who pre-order the album will receive free digital downloads of the title cut and "What Would You Do."

Out of the Blue also features new versions of Mike the Mechanics' huge '80s hits "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)," "All I Need Is a Miracle" and "The Living Years" -- that last song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989.

The album will be available digitally and on CD, vinyl and as a special deluxe CD. That features six bonus acoustic renditions of songs from throughout Mike the Mechanics' career, including "The Living Years" and "Over My Shoulder."

Mike The Mechanics' original lineup featured co-lead singers Paul Carrack and Paul Young; Young sadly passed away in 2000. Rutherford relaunched the band in 2010 with different musicians, including new vocalists Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar.

"Having toured with the Mechanics over the last 10 years, I have heard the old songs change a bit each year with Andrew and Tim singing and the same band playing," Mike explains. "In some cases, they have been extended and developed, so it seemed a good idea to record these versions in the studio."

]]>Credit: Patrick BallsMike the Mechanics, the band led by founding Genesis bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, will release a new album titled Out of the Blue on April 5. It features updated versions of the group's best-known songs, plus three new original tunes, all recorded by the current lineup.

The new tunes are "One Way," "What Would You Do" and the album's title track. The song "Out of the Blue" was released last month as the record's lead single. Fans who pre-order the album will receive free digital downloads of the title cut and "What Would You Do."

Out of the Blue also features new versions of Mike the Mechanics' huge '80s hits "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)," "All I Need Is a Miracle" and "The Living Years" -- that last song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989.

The album will be available digitally and on CD, vinyl and as a special deluxe CD. That features six bonus acoustic renditions of songs from throughout Mike the Mechanics' career, including "The Living Years" and "Over My Shoulder."

Mike The Mechanics' original lineup featured co-lead singers Paul Carrack and Paul Young; Young sadly passed away in 2000. Rutherford relaunched the band in 2010 with different musicians, including new vocalists Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar.

"Having toured with the Mechanics over the last 10 years, I have heard the old songs change a bit each year with Andrew and Tim singing and the same band playing," Mike explains. "In some cases, they have been extended and developed, so it seemed a good idea to record these versions in the studio."

]]>'The Voice' recap: the coaches make their final team selectionshttp://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/a7d5b4ab2262a639e5f921cb63bcf83a
Tue, 19 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0500http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/a7d5b4ab2262a639e5f921cb63bcf83aCelia Babini auditions on "The Voice"; Tyler Golden/NBCThe blind auditions wrapped up on Monday night's episode of The Voice as each coach picked their final team members.

Seventeen-year-old Celia Babini, a native New Yorker, began the show with an intense performance of "idontwannabeyouanymore" by Billie Eilish. All four coaches turned their chairs, noting Celia's obvious vocal maturity, even comparing her to Fiona Apple. But Adam Levine's praise cut through: "There's a certain kind of intensity and a certain kind of raw power that singing can have, you embody all of that..." he said before Celia joined his team.

Arguably, Cecily Hennigan from South Carolina gave as impressive of a performance, but somehow only earned one chair turn. The 16-year-old, who stars in a viral video of herself singing a McDonald's order at a drive thru, belted out Jewel's "Foolish Games." Blake Shelton quickly turned his chair and spent the rest of the performance seemingly mystified that none of the other coaches turned. "What in the hell just happened?" he wondered incredulously, welcoming Cecily to Team Blake.

Later, it was Kelly Clarkson's turn to react in disbelief of her fellow coaches. Hers was the only chair to turn for 24-year-old David Owens from Indianapolis. The new father sang "I Can't Make You Love Me," by Bonnie Raitt. Kelly said she enjoyed a man singing that particular song about the pain of a one-sided romantic relationship. As for why none of the other coaches turned: "They're all nuts," she said.

Kalvin Jarvis, 29, is an assistant manager at an IHOP in Arizona. His mom is the manager. His bold song choice, "A Good Night" by none other than John Legend, got John moving in his chair but he did not turn it. "I'm probably too picky on my own songs," he admitted. But Adam and Kelly did turn and it was Adam who ultimately won out.

Presley Tennant, 16, is a self-proclaimed tomboy with a singing back story that sounds like the plot of an episode of Hannah Montana. She was discovered during a singing competition by the mayor of her small California town, who then introduced her to the manager of an all-girl group called 5 Little Princesses. She joined Kelly's team after her performance of "Stone Cold" by Demi Lovato.

Rod Stokes, 34, from Alabama describes himself as a gospel country singer, but chose the Bee Gees "To Love Somebody" for his performance. It may have confused Adam, who mistakenly referred to it as a James Morrison song before Blake quickly corrected him. "It's a famous cover of a Bee Gees song!" Adam tried to clarify. Rod sided with Blake, marking the completion of Blake's team as we head into the battle rounds.

Adam completed his team thanks to another country singer. Andrew Jannakos doesn't look the part of a country musician, but the Georgia native's performance of "Beautiful Crazy," by Luke Combs, left no doubt. Adam's final team selection is also his first country singer of the season.

Kayslin Victoria from Florida is a volunteer at a horse rescue. The 16-year-old got to choose between John and Kelly after her performance of Portugal. The Man's upbeat "Feel It Still." She decided on John, who described her as having a "really good voice for pop music." And with that, team John is complete.

It took until the final performance of the night for Kelly to fill out her team roster. Jackson Marlow, 18, also fit within Kelly's often expressed desire to coach at least one male country vocalist. The Alabama native, whose uncle was a member of Blake's team in season 13 of The Voice, performed "Troubadour," by George Strait. Pointing out that she almost always loses out to Blake when it comes to country artists, Kelly said that Jackson was "so worth the wait."

Other contestants in the blind auditions included:

Ava August, 13 years old, youngest to audition in Voice history.Sang: "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals.Judges: No one turned.

Calista Garcia, 17 years old, father appointed asst. secretary of the Navy by President Obama.Sang: "Wishing Well" by Terence Trent D'Arby.Judges: No one turned.

Maddi Fraser, 24 years old, has a twin sister.Sang: "Get It While You Can" by Janis Joplin.Judges: No one turned.

The battle rounds begin on The Voice next Monday, March 25 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

]]>Celia Babini auditions on "The Voice"; Tyler Golden/NBCThe blind auditions wrapped up on Monday night's episode of The Voice as each coach picked their final team members.

Seventeen-year-old Celia Babini, a native New Yorker, began the show with an intense performance of "idontwannabeyouanymore" by Billie Eilish. All four coaches turned their chairs, noting Celia's obvious vocal maturity, even comparing her to Fiona Apple. But Adam Levine's praise cut through: "There's a certain kind of intensity and a certain kind of raw power that singing can have, you embody all of that..." he said before Celia joined his team.

Arguably, Cecily Hennigan from South Carolina gave as impressive of a performance, but somehow only earned one chair turn. The 16-year-old, who stars in a viral video of herself singing a McDonald's order at a drive thru, belted out Jewel's "Foolish Games." Blake Shelton quickly turned his chair and spent the rest of the performance seemingly mystified that none of the other coaches turned. "What in the hell just happened?" he wondered incredulously, welcoming Cecily to Team Blake.

Later, it was Kelly Clarkson's turn to react in disbelief of her fellow coaches. Hers was the only chair to turn for 24-year-old David Owens from Indianapolis. The new father sang "I Can't Make You Love Me," by Bonnie Raitt. Kelly said she enjoyed a man singing that particular song about the pain of a one-sided romantic relationship. As for why none of the other coaches turned: "They're all nuts," she said.

Kalvin Jarvis, 29, is an assistant manager at an IHOP in Arizona. His mom is the manager. His bold song choice, "A Good Night" by none other than John Legend, got John moving in his chair but he did not turn it. "I'm probably too picky on my own songs," he admitted. But Adam and Kelly did turn and it was Adam who ultimately won out.

Presley Tennant, 16, is a self-proclaimed tomboy with a singing back story that sounds like the plot of an episode of Hannah Montana. She was discovered during a singing competition by the mayor of her small California town, who then introduced her to the manager of an all-girl group called 5 Little Princesses. She joined Kelly's team after her performance of "Stone Cold" by Demi Lovato.

Rod Stokes, 34, from Alabama describes himself as a gospel country singer, but chose the Bee Gees "To Love Somebody" for his performance. It may have confused Adam, who mistakenly referred to it as a James Morrison song before Blake quickly corrected him. "It's a famous cover of a Bee Gees song!" Adam tried to clarify. Rod sided with Blake, marking the completion of Blake's team as we head into the battle rounds.

Adam completed his team thanks to another country singer. Andrew Jannakos doesn't look the part of a country musician, but the Georgia native's performance of "Beautiful Crazy," by Luke Combs, left no doubt. Adam's final team selection is also his first country singer of the season.

Kayslin Victoria from Florida is a volunteer at a horse rescue. The 16-year-old got to choose between John and Kelly after her performance of Portugal. The Man's upbeat "Feel It Still." She decided on John, who described her as having a "really good voice for pop music." And with that, team John is complete.

It took until the final performance of the night for Kelly to fill out her team roster. Jackson Marlow, 18, also fit within Kelly's often expressed desire to coach at least one male country vocalist. The Alabama native, whose uncle was a member of Blake's team in season 13 of The Voice, performed "Troubadour," by George Strait. Pointing out that she almost always loses out to Blake when it comes to country artists, Kelly said that Jackson was "so worth the wait."

Other contestants in the blind auditions included:

Ava August, 13 years old, youngest to audition in Voice history.Sang: "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals.Judges: No one turned.

Calista Garcia, 17 years old, father appointed asst. secretary of the Navy by President Obama.Sang: "Wishing Well" by Terence Trent D'Arby.Judges: No one turned.

Maddi Fraser, 24 years old, has a twin sister.Sang: "Get It While You Can" by Janis Joplin.Judges: No one turned.

The battle rounds begin on The Voice next Monday, March 25 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

]]>'American Idol' final auditions: Surprise appearances, a former country star and a Maddie Poppe prankhttp://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/4b83f003b61c0c72bdf6fb51e685aae9
Tue, 19 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0500http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/4b83f003b61c0c72bdf6fb51e685aae9"American Idol" champ Maddie Poppe removes her disguise; ABC/Kelsey McNealAmericanIdol's final audition episode of the season aired Monday night, and it was a crazy combination of unexpected guest appearances, the usual sob stories and one very funny prank, courtesy of reigning Idol champ Maddie Poppe.

Attack of last season's finalistsAbout 90 minutes into the show, we were introduced to a goth chick who called herself Lady Mapo and sported pierced lips, a pierced nose, purple lipstick and a bad attitude. She said she wanted to audition because last year's show was "too American." The judges were put off by her -- until the music started, and that was the clue: It was "Rainbow Connection." Lady Mapo then pulled off her wig and revealed herself to be none other than Maddie Poppe. The judges screamed and seemed genuinely surprised to see her.

Another surprise appearance came courtesy of Maddie's boyfriend and last season's runner-up, Caleb Lee Hutchinson. He showed up to support Jared Sanders, his friend since age 10, who was auditioning after being inspired by Caleb's success. Caleb and Jared's bromance was super-strong, but it wasn't enough to earn Jared a ticket to Hollywood.

We also saw a montage of other contestants from last year showing up to say hi to the judges on the audition trail, including Catie Turner, Noah Davis and Dennis Lorenzo.

A 90s country star resurfacesSixteen-year-old Chloe Channell's "backup guitarist" just happened to be Billy Dean, an award-winning '90s country star with a string of hits. Apparently, legendary country star Kenny Rogers discovered Chloe, and then Billy became her musical mentor. Of course, Luke Bryan knew Billy and ran down his career achievements, which Billy shrugged off, saying, "I'm all good and washed-up now!"

Chloe impressed the judges with her version of Keith Urban's "Stupid Boy," and Lionel Richie and Billy bonded over having met before -- and also over Kenny Rogers, for whom Lionel wrote the 1980 smash hit, "Lady." Chloe got a golden ticket, and Luke and Billy harmonized on a chorus of Billy's 1991 hit song, "Only Here for a Little While."

The sob storiesTwenty-five-year-old Ryan Hammond is a pastor's son, and Katy Perry was pretty sure her parents, who are also ministers, had worked with Ryan's dad at some point. Ryan used to weigh 330 pounds but underwent weight-loss surgery and dropped 170 pounds. Complications from the surgery nearly killed him, but now he's svelte and healthy. His version of "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith earned him a golden ticket.

Twenty-three-year-old Jorgie was born in Israel to very conservative parents who don't know he's gay. When he was 18, he moved to L.A. and started his music career. He told Katy her song "I Kissed a Girl" proved to him that being gay was mainstream and nothing to be ashamed of. He said he'd never told his family that he was gay, so he was doing it right now, on national television. His original song, "Heaven," about unrequited love for a guy named Jeffrey, was his ticket to Hollywood.

Twenty-one-year-old Emma Kleinberg and her brother, Alex, her hero, tried out for American Idol together years ago but neither of them made it. Alex developed bipolar disorder after college and tried to take his own life. He survived, but is now severely brain-damaged. Emma sang "American Privilege" by Allen Stone and earned a trip to Hollywood.

Nineteen-year-old Jackson Gillies lives in Katy's hometown of Santa Barbara, CA, and met her a while back at a benefit concert for first responders. He's been diabetic since age three but several years ago, he also developed an autoimmune disorder called H.S., which attacks the skin. There's no cure, but Jackson maintains a positive attitude. His version of "Make It Rain" by Foy Vance -- which Ed Sheeran recorded in 2014 for the TV show Sons of Anarchy -- blew the judges away.

And the restOthers going to Hollywood include 22-year-old Nick Merico, the former star of the Nickelodeon series Every Witch Way; champion clogger Zebulon Spencer; and 19-year-old Long Island crooner Christiaan Padovan.

The American Idol "Hollywood Week" episodes begin this Sunday night on ABC.

]]>"American Idol" champ Maddie Poppe removes her disguise; ABC/Kelsey McNealAmericanIdol's final audition episode of the season aired Monday night, and it was a crazy combination of unexpected guest appearances, the usual sob stories and one very funny prank, courtesy of reigning Idol champ Maddie Poppe.

Attack of last season's finalistsAbout 90 minutes into the show, we were introduced to a goth chick who called herself Lady Mapo and sported pierced lips, a pierced nose, purple lipstick and a bad attitude. She said she wanted to audition because last year's show was "too American." The judges were put off by her -- until the music started, and that was the clue: It was "Rainbow Connection." Lady Mapo then pulled off her wig and revealed herself to be none other than Maddie Poppe. The judges screamed and seemed genuinely surprised to see her.

Another surprise appearance came courtesy of Maddie's boyfriend and last season's runner-up, Caleb Lee Hutchinson. He showed up to support Jared Sanders, his friend since age 10, who was auditioning after being inspired by Caleb's success. Caleb and Jared's bromance was super-strong, but it wasn't enough to earn Jared a ticket to Hollywood.

We also saw a montage of other contestants from last year showing up to say hi to the judges on the audition trail, including Catie Turner, Noah Davis and Dennis Lorenzo.

A 90s country star resurfacesSixteen-year-old Chloe Channell's "backup guitarist" just happened to be Billy Dean, an award-winning '90s country star with a string of hits. Apparently, legendary country star Kenny Rogers discovered Chloe, and then Billy became her musical mentor. Of course, Luke Bryan knew Billy and ran down his career achievements, which Billy shrugged off, saying, "I'm all good and washed-up now!"

Chloe impressed the judges with her version of Keith Urban's "Stupid Boy," and Lionel Richie and Billy bonded over having met before -- and also over Kenny Rogers, for whom Lionel wrote the 1980 smash hit, "Lady." Chloe got a golden ticket, and Luke and Billy harmonized on a chorus of Billy's 1991 hit song, "Only Here for a Little While."

The sob storiesTwenty-five-year-old Ryan Hammond is a pastor's son, and Katy Perry was pretty sure her parents, who are also ministers, had worked with Ryan's dad at some point. Ryan used to weigh 330 pounds but underwent weight-loss surgery and dropped 170 pounds. Complications from the surgery nearly killed him, but now he's svelte and healthy. His version of "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith earned him a golden ticket.

Twenty-three-year-old Jorgie was born in Israel to very conservative parents who don't know he's gay. When he was 18, he moved to L.A. and started his music career. He told Katy her song "I Kissed a Girl" proved to him that being gay was mainstream and nothing to be ashamed of. He said he'd never told his family that he was gay, so he was doing it right now, on national television. His original song, "Heaven," about unrequited love for a guy named Jeffrey, was his ticket to Hollywood.

Twenty-one-year-old Emma Kleinberg and her brother, Alex, her hero, tried out for American Idol together years ago but neither of them made it. Alex developed bipolar disorder after college and tried to take his own life. He survived, but is now severely brain-damaged. Emma sang "American Privilege" by Allen Stone and earned a trip to Hollywood.

Nineteen-year-old Jackson Gillies lives in Katy's hometown of Santa Barbara, CA, and met her a while back at a benefit concert for first responders. He's been diabetic since age three but several years ago, he also developed an autoimmune disorder called H.S., which attacks the skin. There's no cure, but Jackson maintains a positive attitude. His version of "Make It Rain" by Foy Vance -- which Ed Sheeran recorded in 2014 for the TV show Sons of Anarchy -- blew the judges away.

And the restOthers going to Hollywood include 22-year-old Nick Merico, the former star of the Nickelodeon series Every Witch Way; champion clogger Zebulon Spencer; and 19-year-old Long Island crooner Christiaan Padovan.

The American Idol "Hollywood Week" episodes begin this Sunday night on ABC.

First up, Sheryl will perform at Augusta at Night, described as a, "new music, food and golf experience" at SRP Park in North Augusta, South Carolina, celebrating the first major golf tournament of the season.

She'll be opening for Hootie & the Blowfish, who'll be performing at the April 12 event ahead of their upcoming Group Therapy tour. Tickets are now available at AugustaAtNight.com.

Sheryl will also be one of the headliners at the newly announced ShoalsFest, which will take place in McFarland Park in Florence Park, Alabama on October 5. The festival is the brainchild of Americana artist Jason Isbell, who'll also be headlining, along with Mavis Staples.

More artists will be announced in the future. Tickets go on sale March 25 at 10 a.m. CT.

Between the April gig and the October one, we'll hopefully get some information about Sheryl's next album, which will reportedly be her long-in-the-works collection of all-star duets.

First up, Sheryl will perform at Augusta at Night, described as a, "new music, food and golf experience" at SRP Park in North Augusta, South Carolina, celebrating the first major golf tournament of the season.

She'll be opening for Hootie & the Blowfish, who'll be performing at the April 12 event ahead of their upcoming Group Therapy tour. Tickets are now available at AugustaAtNight.com.

Sheryl will also be one of the headliners at the newly announced ShoalsFest, which will take place in McFarland Park in Florence Park, Alabama on October 5. The festival is the brainchild of Americana artist Jason Isbell, who'll also be headlining, along with Mavis Staples.

More artists will be announced in the future. Tickets go on sale March 25 at 10 a.m. CT.

Between the April gig and the October one, we'll hopefully get some information about Sheryl's next album, which will reportedly be her long-in-the-works collection of all-star duets.

She’ll take the stage at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on Friday, May 24.

"INSPIRE is a do-good, feel-good opportunity for the community," Ron Reese, an exec at Las Vegas Sands, says in a statement. Las Vegas Sands owns the Venetian Resort.

Reese adds, "The chance to see someone as powerful as Kelly Clarkson in a more personal venue like The Venetian Theatre, combined with knowing your ticket purchase is going directly to helping at-risk youth, should make for a remarkable evening."

INSPIRE 2019 will benefit the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation (ICF) and Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY). The former works with at-risk youth through project-driven learning, mentoring, apprenticeships, academics and athletics. The latter provides services to help stabilize the lives of homeless teens.

Tickets go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. PDT Friday, March 22 at Venetian.com/INSPIRE, The Venetian Box Office or Ticketmaster.

Kelly's Meaning of Life tour wraps up March 30, and so far, this is the only other performance on her schedule.

She’ll take the stage at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on Friday, May 24.

"INSPIRE is a do-good, feel-good opportunity for the community," Ron Reese, an exec at Las Vegas Sands, says in a statement. Las Vegas Sands owns the Venetian Resort.

Reese adds, "The chance to see someone as powerful as Kelly Clarkson in a more personal venue like The Venetian Theatre, combined with knowing your ticket purchase is going directly to helping at-risk youth, should make for a remarkable evening."

INSPIRE 2019 will benefit the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation (ICF) and Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY). The former works with at-risk youth through project-driven learning, mentoring, apprenticeships, academics and athletics. The latter provides services to help stabilize the lives of homeless teens.

Tickets go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. PDT Friday, March 22 at Venetian.com/INSPIRE, The Venetian Box Office or Ticketmaster.

Kelly's Meaning of Life tour wraps up March 30, and so far, this is the only other performance on her schedule.

]]>Michael Bubl&eacute; created new NBC special after being mistaken for an "American Idol" winnerhttp://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/f11acd9331365956c65c2515a6714838
Mon, 18 Mar 2019 15:40:00 -0500http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/f11acd9331365956c65c2515a6714838

Chris Haston/NBCMichael Bublé claims a case of mistaken identity led him to create his new NBC special bublé!, which airs on Wednesday night.

Speaking to USA Today, he says, "I was on an airplane, flying home from Argentina, and a flight attendant told me she was a fan, and asked me, ‘Don't get mad, but my friends and I are fighting over who's right.’ And I said, ‘What’s the question?’ And she said, ‘Did you win American Idol or The Voice? Or did you just place?'”

Of course, Michael wasn't on either of those shows -- but he says that question made him realize that a lot of people simply don't know anything about him.

"I thought ... so many people in America...they might know my name, and they might hear the music or have seen the [Super Bowl]...commercial, but they really don't know," he explains.

That's why for the new special, Michael says he made sure to include photos and video of his childhood and his early career.

“I thought, well, this is a great opportunity for me to tell a story," says Michael. "A story of my life that tells, biographically, the history of how I did this and where I came from."

Meanwhile, Michael tells People that this new special -- his seventh overall -- is literally "the greatest thing I’ve ever done." He adds, “I have never taken so much pride in any kind of finished piece of art as I have with this.”

“It’s a great representation of who I am and why I am who I am," he gushes to People, describing the show as a “documentary, biography and concert” all wrapped up in one show.

Chris Haston/NBCMichael Bublé claims a case of mistaken identity led him to create his new NBC special bublé!, which airs on Wednesday night.

Speaking to USA Today, he says, "I was on an airplane, flying home from Argentina, and a flight attendant told me she was a fan, and asked me, ‘Don't get mad, but my friends and I are fighting over who's right.’ And I said, ‘What’s the question?’ And she said, ‘Did you win American Idol or The Voice? Or did you just place?'”

Of course, Michael wasn't on either of those shows -- but he says that question made him realize that a lot of people simply don't know anything about him.

"I thought ... so many people in America...they might know my name, and they might hear the music or have seen the [Super Bowl]...commercial, but they really don't know," he explains.

That's why for the new special, Michael says he made sure to include photos and video of his childhood and his early career.

“I thought, well, this is a great opportunity for me to tell a story," says Michael. "A story of my life that tells, biographically, the history of how I did this and where I came from."

Meanwhile, Michael tells People that this new special -- his seventh overall -- is literally "the greatest thing I’ve ever done." He adds, “I have never taken so much pride in any kind of finished piece of art as I have with this.”

“It’s a great representation of who I am and why I am who I am," he gushes to People, describing the show as a “documentary, biography and concert” all wrapped up in one show.

The singer helped honor Frederic Aspiras with the Hair Artist of the Year Award at the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards on Sunday.Variety reports that in her introduction, Gaga said Aspiras isn’t just her hairstylist of over 10 years – he’s family.

“Even saying his full name, as the rockstar he’s become, I find myself thinking, ‘No, he’s not just, in my eyes, the greatest hair artist in the world, he’s the brother I never had,’” she said.

Gaga also revealed something she said not even Aspiras knew: He was the inspiration for the song “Hair” on her 2011 album Born This Way. She said she wrote the song because “He helped inspire me to love myself, and be myself every day.”

Among the iconic Gaga hair looks Aspiras created was her bleached blonde 'do at the Oscars this year. Gaga said they both stayed up all night coloring her hair “because we’re both going, ‘B****, we didn’t come this far to go to the Oscars with a root. We have to bleach it.’”

]]>Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagicThe bond between Lady Gaga and her hairstylist is strong.

The singer helped honor Frederic Aspiras with the Hair Artist of the Year Award at the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards on Sunday.Variety reports that in her introduction, Gaga said Aspiras isn’t just her hairstylist of over 10 years – he’s family.

“Even saying his full name, as the rockstar he’s become, I find myself thinking, ‘No, he’s not just, in my eyes, the greatest hair artist in the world, he’s the brother I never had,’” she said.

Gaga also revealed something she said not even Aspiras knew: He was the inspiration for the song “Hair” on her 2011 album Born This Way. She said she wrote the song because “He helped inspire me to love myself, and be myself every day.”

Among the iconic Gaga hair looks Aspiras created was her bleached blonde 'do at the Oscars this year. Gaga said they both stayed up all night coloring her hair “because we’re both going, ‘B****, we didn’t come this far to go to the Oscars with a root. We have to bleach it.’”

ABC/Craig SjodinMonday night on ABC, the final audition episode of this season of American Idol will air, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Now ABC has announced when the competition's live shows -- which will allow America to vote -- will begin.

Sunday, April 14 will feature a live-to-tape episode. Then, the first all-live performance show will air Monday, April 15. The schedule will then continue with live shows on Sundays only, for five straight weeks.

Starting April 21, coast-to-coast simultaneous voting will begin, as the show will once again be simulcast in all time zones across the country for three weeks. The show's finale will air May 19, and the coast-to-coast voting will also be open for that show.

Next week, the Hollywood Rounds begin, from the Orpheum Theater in L.A.

ABC/Craig SjodinMonday night on ABC, the final audition episode of this season of American Idol will air, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Now ABC has announced when the competition's live shows -- which will allow America to vote -- will begin.

Sunday, April 14 will feature a live-to-tape episode. Then, the first all-live performance show will air Monday, April 15. The schedule will then continue with live shows on Sundays only, for five straight weeks.

Starting April 21, coast-to-coast simultaneous voting will begin, as the show will once again be simulcast in all time zones across the country for three weeks. The show's finale will air May 19, and the coast-to-coast voting will also be open for that show.

Next week, the Hollywood Rounds begin, from the Orpheum Theater in L.A.

In an interview with People about the milestone birthday, the Maroon 5 frontman jokes that he’s actually aging backwards.

“I feel like I’m Benjamin Button-ing. I feel younger and less mature, better-looking and just overall more youthful,” he says, referencing the 2008 Brad Pitt movie. “Maybe I was born old!”

His wife Behati Prinsloo, with whom he shares two daughters, reportedly helped plan a big birthday bash for him with their family and friends. She agrees that her husband is only getting better with age.

“I definitely think the older he gets, the more he’s been taking care of himself, working out and doing yoga,” she tells People. “He’s so aware. He also doesn’t drink much and is very much a workaholic.”

She adds, “He works out, then he’s with family. He really is aging backwards and getting sexier with time!”

In an interview with People about the milestone birthday, the Maroon 5 frontman jokes that he’s actually aging backwards.

“I feel like I’m Benjamin Button-ing. I feel younger and less mature, better-looking and just overall more youthful,” he says, referencing the 2008 Brad Pitt movie. “Maybe I was born old!”

His wife Behati Prinsloo, with whom he shares two daughters, reportedly helped plan a big birthday bash for him with their family and friends. She agrees that her husband is only getting better with age.

“I definitely think the older he gets, the more he’s been taking care of himself, working out and doing yoga,” she tells People. “He’s so aware. He also doesn’t drink much and is very much a workaholic.”

She adds, “He works out, then he’s with family. He really is aging backwards and getting sexier with time!”

]]>Has Lady Gaga revealed the title of her new album?http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/0152b8d5a06c41d91fcd85409c21d693
Mon, 18 Mar 2019 10:07:00 -0500http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/0152b8d5a06c41d91fcd85409c21d693

ABC/Rick RowellLady Gaga told fans a few weeks ago that she was "pregnant with #LG6" -- meaning she's been working on her sixth studio album. Now, fans are convinced that she's given them a clue to its title.

The Oscar-winning star has changed her social media account artwork to a black-and-white image of a musical staff, with the notes G, A, G and A written on it. You may recall that not long ago, she got a tattoo of the same image on her arm.

Fans are now convinced that the singer's next album will be called GAGA. As one fan pointed out, prior to releasing her previous albums, she got the titles tattooed on her body.

Another fan noted that since 2019 more or less marks the start of the singer's tenth year of stardom, self-titling her album is a good way of announcing her return to music, since she spent most of 2018 focusing on her acting career.

When the album does arrive, it'll be the follow-up to 2016's Joanne, which featured the hit "Million Reasons."

ABC/Rick RowellLady Gaga told fans a few weeks ago that she was "pregnant with #LG6" -- meaning she's been working on her sixth studio album. Now, fans are convinced that she's given them a clue to its title.

The Oscar-winning star has changed her social media account artwork to a black-and-white image of a musical staff, with the notes G, A, G and A written on it. You may recall that not long ago, she got a tattoo of the same image on her arm.

Fans are now convinced that the singer's next album will be called GAGA. As one fan pointed out, prior to releasing her previous albums, she got the titles tattooed on her body.

Another fan noted that since 2019 more or less marks the start of the singer's tenth year of stardom, self-titling her album is a good way of announcing her return to music, since she spent most of 2018 focusing on her acting career.

When the album does arrive, it'll be the follow-up to 2016's Joanne, which featured the hit "Million Reasons."

ABC/Randy HolmesKaty Perry is set to be honored at the 10th anniversary of the DVF Awards, which recognizes women who use their resources to transform the lives of other women.

Katy will be receiving the Inspiration Award for “using her voice to advocate on behalf of many philanthropic causes,” including her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and as a champion for LGBTQ community.

Along with Katy, the awards will be honoring four other women – including Professor Anita Hill, who will be receiving the Lifetime Leadership Award.

“For our 10th anniversary of the DVF Awards, I am honored to recognize these extraordinary women who have shown courage, strength and leadership, and have shown us how to make this world a better world,” says fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, founder of the DVF awards.

The DVF Awards will take place Thursday, April 11 at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.

ABC/Randy HolmesKaty Perry is set to be honored at the 10th anniversary of the DVF Awards, which recognizes women who use their resources to transform the lives of other women.

Katy will be receiving the Inspiration Award for “using her voice to advocate on behalf of many philanthropic causes,” including her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and as a champion for LGBTQ community.

Along with Katy, the awards will be honoring four other women – including Professor Anita Hill, who will be receiving the Lifetime Leadership Award.

“For our 10th anniversary of the DVF Awards, I am honored to recognize these extraordinary women who have shown courage, strength and leadership, and have shown us how to make this world a better world,” says fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, founder of the DVF awards.

The DVF Awards will take place Thursday, April 11 at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis has removed three Michael Jackson exhibits from display in the wake of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.

A fedora and glove, both worn by Jackson onstage, were removed from public view, as was a signed Michael Jackson poster. Jackson's family is from Gary, Indiana, about two-and-a-half hours north of Indianapolis, on the Lake Michigan shore.

Leslie Olsen, the museum's public relations manager, said in a statement provided to ABC News: "As the world’s largest children’s museum, we are very sensitive to our audience. In an excess of caution, and in response to the controversy over the HBO film called 'Leaving Neverland,' which directly involved allegations of abuse against children, we removed those objects while we carefully consider the situation more fully."

Leaving Neverland, the two-part documentary that premiered on HBO March 3 and 4, features adult men Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of whom accuse Jackson of sexually assaulting them as children.

Other entities has distanced themselves from Jackson following the allegations broadcast in Leaving Neverland. Immediately after the documentary premiered, producers of The Simpsons revealed they would no longer air, sell or distribute the 1991 episode that featured Jackson's voice. Last week, French fashion giant Louis Vuitton announced it was removing planned Michael Jackson-inspired designs from their 2019 fall menswear collection.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis has removed three Michael Jackson exhibits from display in the wake of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.

A fedora and glove, both worn by Jackson onstage, were removed from public view, as was a signed Michael Jackson poster. Jackson's family is from Gary, Indiana, about two-and-a-half hours north of Indianapolis, on the Lake Michigan shore.

Leslie Olsen, the museum's public relations manager, said in a statement provided to ABC News: "As the world’s largest children’s museum, we are very sensitive to our audience. In an excess of caution, and in response to the controversy over the HBO film called 'Leaving Neverland,' which directly involved allegations of abuse against children, we removed those objects while we carefully consider the situation more fully."

Leaving Neverland, the two-part documentary that premiered on HBO March 3 and 4, features adult men Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of whom accuse Jackson of sexually assaulting them as children.

Other entities has distanced themselves from Jackson following the allegations broadcast in Leaving Neverland. Immediately after the documentary premiered, producers of The Simpsons revealed they would no longer air, sell or distribute the 1991 episode that featured Jackson's voice. Last week, French fashion giant Louis Vuitton announced it was removing planned Michael Jackson-inspired designs from their 2019 fall menswear collection.

]]>"American Idol" auditions continue with a familiar face, a pretty face -- and a possible teenage robot?http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/93a9db1b032001072168118ab4145b24
Mon, 18 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0500http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/93a9db1b032001072168118ab4145b24Ashley Hess auditions on "American Idol"; ABC/Nicole RivelliAmerican Idol continued its auditions Sunday night with a batch of contestants that included a familiar face from last season, a pretty new face that has one of the judges smitten, and a former dental hygienist who may just win the whole thing.

Here’s the breakdown:

The familiar faceThe sauce is back! Remember Alyssa Raghu? She was an early favorite during last season’s audition process but didn’t make it past the top 24. Now the 16-year-old has returned and she’s been working on her stage presence. The year of practice has done wonders for her confidence. “I’m Alyssa Raghu and I’m a pop star,” she tells judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. They’re sold. She once again gets a chance at Hollywood.

The standoutsAshley Hess. Remember that name because with any luck, she’ll be going far in this competition. The 27-year-old former dental hygienist blew the judges away with her rendition of Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” on the piano. They were so blown away that they all got up from the judges table to crowd around the piano and watch her perform up close. “I think you could win this whole thing,” Katy predicted.

Gaba, a 19-year-old from L.A., brings her mom and her egg donor to her audition. She sings Adele’s “All I Ask” and hits every note of the difficult torch ballad. Then, at the judges’ request, she sings a duet with her egg donor, from whom she inherited her singing talent. She gets through to Hollywood with her unconventional support system by her side.

Evelyn Cormier, a married 19-year-old, mesmerizes the judges with her utterly unique singing voice. “Literally one of my favorite voices I’ve ever heard in my life,” Katy boldly states. She gets three yeses.

The judges also couldn’t stop gushing over Jacob Moran, a 24-year-old nurse who serenades the patients in the nursing home where he works. He sings “Into You” by Ariana Grande and Luke compares him to Rascal Flatts’ frontman Gary LeVox. Katy calls him the “best voice we’ve heard in all of Kentucky.”

The robot (?)Sixteen-year-old Peach Martine almost seemed a little too polished and rehearsed to be real, prompting Katy to ask, “Are you a robot?” Her rendition of “Zombie” by the Cranberries doesn’t do much to convince Katy otherwise, but once Peach sat at the piano to sing her own original song, we saw a glimpse of something a little less robotic. She still got a “no” from Katy, but she’s going to Hollywood anyway.

The crush-worthyLuke was completely smitten by Katie Belle, a 19-year-old from Atlanta with model-good looks. She has a sweet singing voice but, perhaps superficially, it’s also her pretty face that gets her the golden ticket. When she shakes Luke hand to thank him, he pretends to pass out. Even Katy Perry was crushin’. As the contestant leaves, we hear Katy softly singing, “I kissed a girl and I liked it…”

American Idol’s most improvedJessica Whitely, a 26-year-old bartender from Ohio and one of Katy’s biggest fans, previously auditioned for the show seven years ago. The judges pull up a clip of her old audition and it was...disastrous. Her new audition still isn’t great but it’s so much better than her first audition that the judges dub her Idol’s “most improved.” It's not enough for a golden ticket, though.

The tearjerkerOf course, Idol leaves the most emotional moment of the night for last. Lauren Engle is a 27-year-old who lost her husband in a car accident a year ago. With her brother-in-law as her guitar accompaniment, she sings an original song called “Compass,” written about her late husband. The judges are overwhelmed with emotion and tell a tearful Lauren she made her husband proud. She’s going to Hollywood.

The restColby Swift is a 19-year-old who uses humor to cover the pain of being abandoned by his mom at age 10. His singing needs work but Luke says, “I don’t know if a kid has ever walked in here and been more me at 19.” He makes it through.

Dalton Elliott, a 26-year-old dad, wins over the judges with his ability to tell a story through singing.

Mize Well, a beatboxer, doesn’t make it through because, well, he doesn’t sing.

]]>Ashley Hess auditions on "American Idol"; ABC/Nicole RivelliAmerican Idol continued its auditions Sunday night with a batch of contestants that included a familiar face from last season, a pretty new face that has one of the judges smitten, and a former dental hygienist who may just win the whole thing.

Here’s the breakdown:

The familiar faceThe sauce is back! Remember Alyssa Raghu? She was an early favorite during last season’s audition process but didn’t make it past the top 24. Now the 16-year-old has returned and she’s been working on her stage presence. The year of practice has done wonders for her confidence. “I’m Alyssa Raghu and I’m a pop star,” she tells judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. They’re sold. She once again gets a chance at Hollywood.

The standoutsAshley Hess. Remember that name because with any luck, she’ll be going far in this competition. The 27-year-old former dental hygienist blew the judges away with her rendition of Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” on the piano. They were so blown away that they all got up from the judges table to crowd around the piano and watch her perform up close. “I think you could win this whole thing,” Katy predicted.

Gaba, a 19-year-old from L.A., brings her mom and her egg donor to her audition. She sings Adele’s “All I Ask” and hits every note of the difficult torch ballad. Then, at the judges’ request, she sings a duet with her egg donor, from whom she inherited her singing talent. She gets through to Hollywood with her unconventional support system by her side.

Evelyn Cormier, a married 19-year-old, mesmerizes the judges with her utterly unique singing voice. “Literally one of my favorite voices I’ve ever heard in my life,” Katy boldly states. She gets three yeses.

The judges also couldn’t stop gushing over Jacob Moran, a 24-year-old nurse who serenades the patients in the nursing home where he works. He sings “Into You” by Ariana Grande and Luke compares him to Rascal Flatts’ frontman Gary LeVox. Katy calls him the “best voice we’ve heard in all of Kentucky.”

The robot (?)Sixteen-year-old Peach Martine almost seemed a little too polished and rehearsed to be real, prompting Katy to ask, “Are you a robot?” Her rendition of “Zombie” by the Cranberries doesn’t do much to convince Katy otherwise, but once Peach sat at the piano to sing her own original song, we saw a glimpse of something a little less robotic. She still got a “no” from Katy, but she’s going to Hollywood anyway.

The crush-worthyLuke was completely smitten by Katie Belle, a 19-year-old from Atlanta with model-good looks. She has a sweet singing voice but, perhaps superficially, it’s also her pretty face that gets her the golden ticket. When she shakes Luke hand to thank him, he pretends to pass out. Even Katy Perry was crushin’. As the contestant leaves, we hear Katy softly singing, “I kissed a girl and I liked it…”

American Idol’s most improvedJessica Whitely, a 26-year-old bartender from Ohio and one of Katy’s biggest fans, previously auditioned for the show seven years ago. The judges pull up a clip of her old audition and it was...disastrous. Her new audition still isn’t great but it’s so much better than her first audition that the judges dub her Idol’s “most improved.” It's not enough for a golden ticket, though.

The tearjerkerOf course, Idol leaves the most emotional moment of the night for last. Lauren Engle is a 27-year-old who lost her husband in a car accident a year ago. With her brother-in-law as her guitar accompaniment, she sings an original song called “Compass,” written about her late husband. The judges are overwhelmed with emotion and tell a tearful Lauren she made her husband proud. She’s going to Hollywood.

The restColby Swift is a 19-year-old who uses humor to cover the pain of being abandoned by his mom at age 10. His singing needs work but Luke says, “I don’t know if a kid has ever walked in here and been more me at 19.” He makes it through.

Dalton Elliott, a 26-year-old dad, wins over the judges with his ability to tell a story through singing.

Mize Well, a beatboxer, doesn’t make it through because, well, he doesn’t sing.

]]>Shawn Mendes dominates the Juno Awards; Michael Bublé wins, toohttp://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/0df59f8e569914adc80e5c9b60c05876
Mon, 18 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0500http://wbaz.com/abc-music-news-adult-contemporary/0df59f8e569914adc80e5c9b60c05876Brad Barket/Getty Images for Island RecordsShawnMendes had a very good Sunday night. The 20-year-old singer/songwriter won five of the six awards for which he was nominated at the JUNO Awards, Canada's equivalent of the Grammys.

Shawn started out strong in pre-ceremony wins Saturday night, locking up artist of the year, pop album of the year for his self-titled album, songwriter of the year and single of the year, for “In My Blood." Sunday night, he also won the non-genre album of the year award.

Unable to attend the ceremony because he's currently on his world tour, Shawn appeared during the broadcast via a recorded performance of "In My Blood."

Michael Bublé had a nice night, too, winning adult contemporary album of the year, for Love. He also presented the Humanitarian Award to chart-topping super-producer David Foster. And singer Corey Hart, best known in the U.S. for his 1980s hits "Sunglasses at Night" and "Never Surrender," was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

]]>Brad Barket/Getty Images for Island RecordsShawnMendes had a very good Sunday night. The 20-year-old singer/songwriter won five of the six awards for which he was nominated at the JUNO Awards, Canada's equivalent of the Grammys.

Shawn started out strong in pre-ceremony wins Saturday night, locking up artist of the year, pop album of the year for his self-titled album, songwriter of the year and single of the year, for “In My Blood." Sunday night, he also won the non-genre album of the year award.

Unable to attend the ceremony because he's currently on his world tour, Shawn appeared during the broadcast via a recorded performance of "In My Blood."

Michael Bublé had a nice night, too, winning adult contemporary album of the year, for Love. He also presented the Humanitarian Award to chart-topping super-producer David Foster. And singer Corey Hart, best known in the U.S. for his 1980s hits "Sunglasses at Night" and "Never Surrender," was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Mark SurridgeAt this point, Ed Sheeran's collaborated with everyone from Beyonce and Taylor Swift, to Eminem and Luciano Pavarotti -- so hey, why shouldn't he work with Hootie & the Blowfish?

To be fair, we're not sure if Ed's working with the entire '90s band, but he is working with lead singer Darius Rucker, who many people refer to as "Hootie." Darius, now an award-winning, chart-topping country music star, posted a photo on Instagram of himself in a London studio with Ed, singer/songwriter Joel Crouse, guitarist and songwriter Kyle Rife, and producer Joe Rubel.

"Had a blast writing with these boys," Darius wrote. "Too much fun!!!!"

It's not clear if Darius was working on material for his next country album, or for the new Hootie & the Blowfish album. As previously reported, the group has signed a new record deal and is planning on releasing a new album this year.

In addition, Hootie is hitting the road this summer for their Group Therapy tour, in honor of the 25th anniversary of Cracked Rear View, their 21-times-platinum debut album.

Last month, they made a surprise appearance at a showcase hosted by their record label at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The band performed their hits "Hold My Hand" and "Only Wanna Be with You" and brought the house down.

Mark SurridgeAt this point, Ed Sheeran's collaborated with everyone from Beyonce and Taylor Swift, to Eminem and Luciano Pavarotti -- so hey, why shouldn't he work with Hootie & the Blowfish?

To be fair, we're not sure if Ed's working with the entire '90s band, but he is working with lead singer Darius Rucker, who many people refer to as "Hootie." Darius, now an award-winning, chart-topping country music star, posted a photo on Instagram of himself in a London studio with Ed, singer/songwriter Joel Crouse, guitarist and songwriter Kyle Rife, and producer Joe Rubel.

"Had a blast writing with these boys," Darius wrote. "Too much fun!!!!"

It's not clear if Darius was working on material for his next country album, or for the new Hootie & the Blowfish album. As previously reported, the group has signed a new record deal and is planning on releasing a new album this year.

In addition, Hootie is hitting the road this summer for their Group Therapy tour, in honor of the 25th anniversary of Cracked Rear View, their 21-times-platinum debut album.

Last month, they made a surprise appearance at a showcase hosted by their record label at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The band performed their hits "Hold My Hand" and "Only Wanna Be with You" and brought the house down.

ABC/Rick RowellLady Gaga doesn’t need Tony Bennett to bring the house down with some jazz tunes. She did it all by herself Thursday night, with a surprise appearance at the Black Rabbit Rose restaurant and lounge in Hollywood.

Gaga took the stage and performed a couple of Frank Sinatra songs with the band. She started with a sultry version of Sinatra’s “Call Me Irresponsible.”

"My whole life, you know, I've been called irresponsible," she began, before launching into the song. "It doesn't make me so mad because it's kind of true... and I like to hear the truth."

ABC/Rick RowellLady Gaga doesn’t need Tony Bennett to bring the house down with some jazz tunes. She did it all by herself Thursday night, with a surprise appearance at the Black Rabbit Rose restaurant and lounge in Hollywood.

Gaga took the stage and performed a couple of Frank Sinatra songs with the band. She started with a sultry version of Sinatra’s “Call Me Irresponsible.”

"My whole life, you know, I've been called irresponsible," she began, before launching into the song. "It doesn't make me so mad because it's kind of true... and I like to hear the truth."